Make a Better Home: Domestic Gadgetry and Rural Electrification

Make a Better Home: Domestic Gadgetry and Rural Electrification The Dayton Historic Depot has a new exhibit ready for viewing. This year, we are sharing small electric appliances and domestic gadgets from the early 20th century. This exhibit examines the intersection of changing women’s roles, consumerism, and rural electrification. It tells the story of how industrialization increased the number of standardized products available, and advertisers taught us to “need” an ever-increasing number of gadgets. Women were taught by home economists how to shop for the home, and as an increasing number of women worked outside the home, industries sought to create items that might simplify the housework. The creation of the Rural Electrification Administration and the Electric Home and Farm Authority made electricity and electric appliances available to rural residents of Columbia County, and the number of domestic gadgets in every home increased. We would like to thank community members, Blue Mountain Heritage Society, the American Legion, and the Boldman House Museum for their contributions to this exhibit. Come visit our gallery, and while you are here, use an old manual typewriter to share your memories of electrification. Dayton Historic Depot is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11:00-4:00 and located at 222 E. Commercial, Dayton, WA.